user
Below is an instruction that describes a task, paired with an input that provides further context. Write a response that appropriately completes the request.

### Instruction:
Write a summary of the following passage in 50 words or less.

### Input:
The American alligator is the largest reptile in North America and can be found in the Southeast United States. It can grow up to 11 feet and weighs up to 1,000 pounds. The alligator's thick armor-like skin helps protect them from most predators. They are one of the oldest living species in the world, with fossil records showing them to be over 150 million years old.

### Response:
assistant
The American alligator is a large reptile native to the Southeast United States. It can grow up to 11 feet in size, weighing up to 1,000 pounds, with its thick armor-like skin providing protection from predators. An ancient species, with fossil records showing it to be over 150 million years old, the alligator is one of the oldest living animals.